Brandin Podziemski showcased his potential during a standout fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets, demonstrating that he thrives in a different role on the court. The Golden State Warriors secured a 128-117 victory on February 22, 2026, with Podziemski playing a pivotal part in the win.
Point guards like Podziemski are often expected to control the pace, dribble effectively, and set up plays. However, they excel when they embrace their ability to create chaos through movement and quick decision-making. For a long time, Podziemski attempted to fit into the mold of ball-dominant point guards such as Chris Paul and Ja Morant. This approach led to a stagnation in his game, frustrating Warriors fans who craved more dynamism.
During this crucial game, Podziemski finally seemed to grasp a lesson that had been evident for months. He contributed significantly to a 20-2 run in the fourth quarter, hitting all six of his shots during that span, which helped propel the Warriors to an unexpected victory despite the absence of key players like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
To illustrate the earlier struggles in his game, one could imagine typical offensive plays where Podziemski, with the ball at the top of the key, would hesitate before taking a challenging shot or searching for teammates in a chaotic manner. This predictable playstyle had been well-documented, leading to a decline in his trade value and raising questions about his effectiveness as a winning player.
When paired with Butler, Podziemski”s off-ball movement allowed him to exploit defensive gaps, but when he took on the primary playmaking role, his limitations became apparent. His game was characterized by a reliance on craft rather than sheer athletic talent, which can be a problem at the NBA level.
For much of the game, Podziemski struggled as he attempted to function as a traditional on-ball leader, missing his first five shots. However, he eventually adjusted by positioning himself on the wing and allowing teammates like Gui Santos and Moses Moody to initiate plays. This shift in approach resulted in improved ball movement and shot selection, revitalizing the Warriors” offense.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr praised Podziemski”s performance, noting the importance of getting off the ball early to create scoring opportunities. “He can help himself by actually getting off the ball earlier in a possession and then getting it back,” Kerr stated. The hope is that Podziemski will maintain this mindset moving forward.
However, Podziemski himself expressed reluctance to fully embrace the off-ball role, stating, “I”m a point guard, so usually I get to dictate what happens.” His struggle between ego and logic will be crucial as the Warriors head into the final stretch of the season. The recent success highlights the need for him to step back and allow his natural skills to shine without forcing the ball into his hands.
As the Warriors aim for a playoff push, Podziemski has the opportunity to solidify his place on the team by recognizing the strengths he brings as a combo guard. The question remains whether he will continue to embrace this newfound understanding or revert to his previous mindset.
